New research has shown that motor dealers are becoming increasingly confident in buying vehicles without seeing them first.

Independent research conducted by research consultancy PHRS and commissioned by vehicle remarketer, GRS, reveals that two thirds of dealers would be comfortable buying 2-3 year old vehicles over the phone or the internet rather than at auction.

GRS sales and marketing director Mike Pilkington, said: “Dealers are too busy these days to spend hours at the auctions every week - to the smarter dealer the attractions of new, non-traditional channels are obvious.

"Now that we know that dealers are receptive to buying older vehicles unseen, we are increasing our offering. We are confident that dealers are comfortable buying remotely with GRS and we can fulfil their wider stock needs with older product."

The findings were made from telephone interviews conducted with 191 dealers on GRS's other industry databases. Those taking part were asked: 'are you comfortable buying cars two to three years old from GRS?'

82% of car buyers said they would be, 11% not and the remainder said they did not know.

GRS offers its trade customers 24 hour access to stock lists via their website at www.e-grs.com. (November 29, 2001)